Saving the Brain Collaborative Stroke Care Network

Purpose of Program

  • To foster collaborative relationships between stroke specialists and primary care practitioners in their respective regions
  • To enhance knowledge of stroke prevention best practices

Summary of Program

“Saving the Brain” Collaborative Stroke Care Network is a collaborative effort to bring the Family Physician the tools and support they need to enhance their ability to deliver primary and secondary stroke prevention programs and quality care for post-acute stroke patients The network links a specialist mentor with the Family Physician mentee and provides guiding advice for the family physician. This is not a referral service, but an opportunity for FPs to learn from specialists in stroke care. The Stroke Care Network was first planned in 2006, and the mentoring network established in 2007. The Network also provides access to an Annual Conference for updates in primary and secondary prevention of stroke and small group meetings throughout the year that facilitate discussion and foster relationships amongst the groups.

Objective of Program

  • To enhance collaboration between stroke specialists and family physicians in the care of patients who have suffered or are in danger of suffering from stroke
  • To assist family physicians who are eager to increase their knowledge and gain access to resources in caring for their own patients who are dealing with stroke-related issues
  • To provide an ongoing program of Continuing Medical Education to help family physicians become better acquainted with the Mentoring Model and to provide clinical updates for best practices in Stroke Care.

Mentoring Groups

There are 11 groups across the province distributed according to the geographical location of Stroke Regional Centers (SRCs).


Accreditation Information

This program meets the accreditation criteria of The College of Family Physicians of Canada and has been accredited for 12.0 MAINPRO®-C credits

Steering Committee

  • Dr. Mary Manno, Chair
  • Dr. Andre Hurtubise
  • Dr. Demetrios (Jim) Sahlas
  • Dr. Bill McMullen
  • Dr. Andre Douen
  • Ms. Sharon Mytka
  • Dr. Dybesh Regmi
  • Ms. Lena Salach
  • Ms. Eilyn Rodriguez

Small Group Meetings

Arranged by the local mentor to facilitate in-group discussion about recurring problems seen in the mentees’ practice

Annual Conferences

Held in January of each year, the conference invites the entire mentoring network for a day and a half of professional development as well as networking opportunities over great food. The event is getting better every year, so remember to book the days off and RSVP to watch the network grow.
  • South East
  • Champlain
  • NE GTA
  • Toronto SE
  • West GTA
  • Toronto West
  • South West
  • Central South
  • Central East

2010 Conference Presentations


  • An Introduction to Stroke Imaging
    D'Arcy Little, MD, CCFP, FRCPC
    Former Family Physician, University of Toronto Staff Radiologist, Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, Etobicoke Generial Hospital and Humber River Regional Hospital, Research Fellow, Diagnostic Imaging, University of Toronto
    PPT, 7.69 MB
  • Ontario Stroke Network
    Linda Kelloway
    Best Practices Leader Ontario Stroke Network
    PPT, 590.50 KB
  • Conference Overview 2010
    PPT, 1.57 MB
  • The New 2009 Canadian Lipid Guidelines
    Milan Gupta, MD
    Department of Medicine, McMaster University Division of Cardiology, William Osler Health Centre Division of Cardiology / CV Surgery, University of Toronto
    PPT, 7.65 MB
  • New Options for Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation
    Dr. Stephen La Haye
    Cardiologist, Kingston General Hospital, Medical Director of Cardiac Rehab Centre, Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston
    PPT, 11.34 MB

2009 Conference Presentations


2008 Conference Presentations